Definition of the word 'Clan'The Gaelic word for 'clan' is children, but is best translated as
'family.' Originally each clan was made up of the descendents of one
man and his children. Today a clan is a social group whose core
comprises a number of families derived from, or accepted as being
derived from, a common ancestor. Almost without exception, that
core is accompanied by a added number of dependent and associated
families who have either sought the protection of the clan at some
point in history or have been tenants or vassals of its chief.
The clan system which arose in Scotland around the 11th century was
a complex society. The clan family was headed by a chief. The
chief is owed allegiance by all members of the Clan.
Origin of the Grahams
Scholars have long debated whence came the people and name
Graham. Some say the Grahams are descendants of the Graeme who
commanded the armies of Fergus II in 404 AD. Others are equally
convinced that they are of Norman descent, while yet others claim a
Flemish or even Danish descent. Which are correct? For a
complete examination of the subject read
The Origins of the
Grahams, by Nellie Graham Lowry, Society Genealogist.
The Clan Chief
An Greamach Mor (Chief
of All the Grahams)
His Grace the 8th Duke of Montrose
Click
here to learn more about our Chief
The Clan Badge
THE CLAN
GRAHAM BADGE
The Clan Graham Badge is the crest from the arms of the
Duke of Montrose, Chief of Clan Graham. The crest is surrounded by a
buckled belt.
According to the Lord Lyon, King of Arms of Scotland, each
generation should "difference" his arms from whomever it was
inherited. Our Chief, the Eighth Duke of Montrose, completed this
procedure in 2002.
Chieftain Richard Graham
"The crest is an eagle
killing a heron and perhaps the armorial convention for a heron is
rather like a stork. Our earliest properties had very good salmon
fishing and it would be easy to develop an antipathy to herons."
Montrose
See
Protocol for use of the Graham Clan Badge.
The
Clan Motto
"ne oublie"
(do not forget)
NEVER FORGET
The
motto of the Graham Clan is
Ne Oublie.
It means “Never Forget.” Frequently we ask, “What are we never to
forget?” Historians may have several reasons for this motto which may
be based upon biblical teachings.
The
colors for Clan Graham are gold (or) and black (sable). The armorial
bearing for each Graham who is granted arms by the Lord Lyon King of
Arms has a modified arrangement of the following: The gold shield and
three gold scallops on a black field. Grahams who have not been
granted arms may display a simple gold shield with three gold scallops
on a black field.
His
Grace, the Eighth Duke of Montrose, was Honored Guest at the San Diego
Highland Games in 1997. The following are a few statements given in
his address to the Clan Graham Society.
On
the Graham Coat of Arms are three scallop shells. These represent
pilgrimages of three Graham ancestors. The pilgrimages were made by
mediaeval knights to the shrine Santiago de Campostila. Around
1230-1260, pilgrimages were made by two of the senior Dalkeith
branches of the Grahams and this was marked by the inclusion of the
scallop shells on the Graham Coat of Arms. Shells were used to
collect alms for the poor.
More direct evidence has since been found of the sixth title holder of
the Graham of Montrose family. Patrick Graham made two pilgrimages –
1352 and 1361. Official records show he was issued certificates of
safe conduct through England.
“My
hope would be that those associated with the name of Graham would be a
repository of the best of traditions that we are asked not to forget,
some of which are contained in the concept of chivalry, bravery, and
Christian service to your fellow man.”
His Grace, the Eighth Duke of Montrose
The Clan Flower
Laurus Nobilis
Laurel
Until recently, the
Sparge Laurel has been recognized as the Clan Graham plant. Our Chief
and the Lord Lyon conducted an investigation and found that the Sparge
Laurel is not indigenous to Scotland and is poisonous. The True
Laurel (Laurus Nobilis), indigenous to Scotland and not poisonous, has
been approved by our Chief and is now the Clan plant. The True
Laurel is similar to that seen on Greek and Roman noble heads - very
fitting as a Graham Clan plant. The Lord Lyon has awarded this
change to our Chief.
|
